In 2023 in response to disillusion based on clients only hiring me to make collage based illustrations for “Black Issues” I declared a year long self-imposed restriction of only making collages within a monochromatic palette.

Stripping away color has allowed for a greater focus. I paid more attention to the details of the materials used in the collage AND strengthened my consideration of the message conveyed by the artwork. My thesis during this year was to explore the intricate layers of identity, the struggles we face, and the beauty that lies within our resilience.

Revealed to me was a greater understanding of the perpetual struggle of being seen and unseen in a world that is both hostile and beautiful. The art created serves as witness to the importance of representing the complexities the experience of life through art